The Filipino community in British Columbia has a shared vision for a new provincial cultural centre to celebrate its heritage, according to a new report.
The What We Heard report, which was put together by the B.C. government in conjunction with the Mabuhay House Society, says the centre would be dedicated to “community spirit, recognition, and representation.”
“This survey and report help ensure that we recognize Filipino Canadians’ impactful contributions to B.C. in a way that honours their needs and desires,” said Amna Shah, B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, mental health, and addictions.
“We look forward to continuing to work alongside the community to realize their vision and move forward in our collective goal of building a province that is more inclusive and representative.”
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The report is based on the results of a public engagement survey that ran from May until December last year. More than 1,200 responses were received.
Mabuhay House Society chair Lester de Guzman says the report is about a lot more than just data.
“It reflects our dreams, our pride, and our shared identity as Filipino Canadians,” he said.
“Through the incredible work and support of our volunteers, community members, and organization, this report is a testament to a strong Filipino value of Bayanihan spirit, a spirit of communal unity and co-operation.”
De Guzman says the next steps include finding a site for the cultural centre, with the province now working with local groups to move the project forward.
According to the B.C. government, Filipino Canadians are the fourth largest visible minority in the province.
— With files from Michael Williams.
